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Charleston South CarolinaHistory Charleston was settled in 1670 by eight loyal friends of King Charles II of England, who gave them the charter to the Carolina territory. It was originally called Charles Town, and from its very start was a great port and a busy city center. Colonists had to deal with frequent Native American attacks, pirate raids and the feuding claims of Spain and France to the English territory. Charleston has always been to home to ethnic and religious diversity. It was the sister city of Boston, and wealthy business men spent summers in Charleston. Immigrants from France, Scotland, Ireland and Germany, and African Slaves, made up the bulk of the population. Charleston soon became home to many different sects of Christianity and Judaism, and has the first Anglican Church and the first Methodist Church in the United States. Charleston became a central city during the American Revolution and was twice the target of British attacks. The colonists took a strong role in declaring independence and fighting against British oppression. The British Siege of Charleston was the greatest American defeat during the war and the city was not surrendered until 1782. After American independence was achieved, the name of the city was officially changed from Charles Town to Charleston. The early 19th century was a prosperous one for Charlestonians. The economy became plantation dominated and cotton especially became a major export. Slaves were the primary source of labor, and the Charleston Market was built so colored slaves and freedmen could have stalls to sell goods. The wealthy in Charleston built large Antebellum homes and the style of living was that written of in Gone with the Wind. Women wore extravagant dresses and corsets, and men always dressed in suits. As the Civil War approached, South Carolina politics became more centered on a strong state and they introduced the idea of nullification, or a state's right to repeal a federal law. Soon, federal soldiers were in Charleston, collection tariffs by force, which showed the start of discontinuities between the northern and southern states. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first ever state to secede from the Union, which was caused by the election of Abraham Lincoln and his anti-slavery politics. In 1861, Citadel Cadets fired the first shots of the Civil war as they opened fire on a Union ship entering Charleston's harbor. They continued and overtook the union held Fort Sumter in the middle of the harbor in one of the first battles of the war. After the defeat of the Confederacy, federal forces remained in Charleston during the city's reconstruction. Charleston's economy had been shattered because the removal of slavery meant the end of plantation living and agriculturally made estates. The city slowly adapted to the new industrial economy and began to deal with issues of race and ethnicity in the diverse population. Today, Charleston boasts a flourishing economy and is the second most production port in the world. Industry is only expanding as is the population and culture. Attractions If you want to experience some of the incredible history of the city, go to Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Or, look at the waterfront antebellum homes on Rainbow Row. You should also visit Charleston Market, or the Straw Market, where the original slave market was housed and Magnolia Plantation if your interested in plantation living. Horse and Carriage rides are a great way to learn about Charleston's rich history and culture, especially if it'ss the summer because walking around all day can get very tiring. Ghost Tours at night are a fun way to spook yourself out and have a good time. The tours lead you through the city's many old graveyards and old homes, but be careful if you're easy to scare! Visitors should also check out the South Carolina Aquarium where you can see over 10,000 different forms of plants and animals and pet a few horseshoe crabs while your at it! If your interested in sea animals, why not visit the beach and see some in their natural habitat. Folly Beach is only 20 minutes from Charleston and is a great spot to visit. Places to Stay Charleston Place is definitely the best place to stay. The location is perfect as it has the Charleston Market on one side and King Street, the premiere shopping district, on the other. The hotel itself and beautiful, with a sweeping grand staircase and majestic chandelier that reminds one of the Beauty and the Beast palace. Places to Eat Cru Cafe on Pinckney Street is a great place to stop for an excellent southern lunch. The restaurant is just around the corner from the Charleston Market and the send of spot for horse drawn carriages. Built inside an 18th century home, the restaurant offers upscale comfort food in an authentic Charleston space. Sticky Fingers has the best BBQ ribs that Charleston has to offer and people always crowd to the restaurant. The quality of the food is excellent, a fact verified by President Bush as he stopped there for dinner on his own visit to Charleston. If you love seafood, dinner at Hyman's is necessary for any visit to Charleston. It has been rated the best seafood restaurant in South Carolina in the Southern Living Magazine six years in a row and the food is truly magnificent. Personal Stories 
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